Gibraltar Nears Finalization of Schengen Accession Deal, Says Chief Minister
Gibraltar’s Schengen Deal Nears Completion, but Sovereignty Debate Persists
Gibraltar is on the brink of finalizing an agreement that would allow it to join the Schengen Zone, according to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. Depending on the terms, travelers from the UK may soon need to present their passports to Spanish or EU border officers upon arrival in Gibraltar.
Picardo’s comments followed remarks by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who told UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that any renewed EU-UK cooperation must include a resolution on Gibraltar. “There are many things we need to discuss—Gibraltar included,” Albares said, emphasizing the desire for a comprehensive agreement.
While Albares confirmed Spain’s commitment to reaching a deal, he made it clear that Spain would not drop its long-standing sovereignty claim over Gibraltar. Talks, which began in 2017, have made notable progress, with Gibraltar’s Chief Minister stating that he sees the end of negotiations in sight.
Gibraltar’s Status Still Unresolved Post-Brexit
Following Brexit, a temporary 2020 agreement allowed Gibraltar to continue benefiting from Schengen Zone access and certain EU arrangements. However, a permanent solution remains elusive.
Albares recently reiterated on Newsnight that no final agreement has been reached. Meanwhile, UK officials have strongly defended British sovereignty over the territory. Former UK Foreign Secretary Priti Patel emphasized, “Gibraltar is British,” asserting the UK’s position on the issue.
Gibraltar’s 2006 constitution states that sovereignty cannot be transferred without the consent of its people. In a 2002 referendum, Gibraltarians overwhelmingly rejected the idea of joint sovereignty with Spain.
As discussions move toward a conclusion, the question of Gibraltar’s long-term status—and its future within the Schengen Zone—remains a key geopolitical issue in EU–UK relations.
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